On Pots And Pork- What Works Best On Rainy Days

Sleeping in. Warm socks, a cup of fresh coffee, a newspaper, a trashy magazine, breakfast followed by a sweet treat. More coffee, a nap, a silly tv show followed by something that will inspire you. A shower, a new kitchen gadget, a second hand find that will make you feel like a million bucks. A smell of something baking followed by a smell of dinner cooking in the oven. More fresh fluffy socks, dinner and some wine. Maybe a good talk with a friend, but that's only if you want. A new good song such as this one: prata vetra


These are all the things that really, really work on rainy days...........


Finally, I own a cast iron pot. What an amazing present! I will be able to too start a dish on the stove top and transfer it to the oven without changing pots! Amazing! Also, it is so heavy that I do not have to worry about the steam coming out! It also keeps the dish warm for the longest time. And it looks beautiful!


This weekend was perfect for trying it out. It was rainy and chilly, perfect weather for a one pot, heart-warming meal that fills the whole house with a smell of something delicious.
I finally found some time to do the long needed yard work; I planted basil, oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary, mint, sage and cherry tomatoes! After they grow I will plant more in the pots and keep it on the windowsill in my kitchen to have fresh herbs all year long! Nothing better than this!I had some fresh pork chops on hand and what is better than pork chops and white wine? I found this recipe by Laura Calder, who does some amazing French cooking. I have to say I miss my daily inspiration from watching the Food Network.
Pork chops, potatoes, onion and white wine, slow cooked to perfection. The meat was amazing and moist, it the cast iron pot kept all the steam inside.


I served it with some more wine :) and a side of lemony green beans, baby orange carrots and a green salad with oranges. Yes, I also made lemonade with fresh mint, lemon and oranges. No sugar!

Pork Chops with Potatoes

4 pork chops

2 cloves garlic, sliced 

1 tablespoon butter 

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 

1 onion, sliced 

4 slices bacon 

few springs fresh thyme

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup beef or chicken stock 

Directions


Heat the oven to 325°F/160°C. Make slivers in the chops and slide in slices of garlic. Season the chops with salt and pepper and sear in a hot pan, about 3 minutes per side. Place half of the potatoes in the pot, scatter half of the onion and top with the chops. Pour the wine and the stock, throw in the thyme springs. Cover with the rest of the potatoes, onion and bacon. Bake for an hour and a half.